Life in Racing - An Interview with Andrew Halligan

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Wed 14 Oct 2026 10:07

Jon Vine 3 hours ago

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Life In Racing interview with Andrew Halligan
Halligan, founder of The Finishing Line Podcast, shares his story of entering and succeeding in horse racing media
Andrew also reflects on his career achievements, favourite races and horses

Champ beating Minella Indo in the 2020 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. (Getty)

Life In Racing - Andrew Halligan
Quickfire Five

In the first instalment of our new Life In Racing interview series, we speak to podcaster and broadcaster Andrew Halligan.

As founder of one of the original horse racing podcasts, The Finishing Line Podcast - alongside Dave O’Keeffe and Tom Raine - Andrew Halligan has helped establish a platform known for its passionate discussions and honest opinions on racing.

Now working behind the scenes in horse racing broadcasting with IRIS, Andrew joins RacingInsider.com to discuss his life in the racing industry.

Life In Racing - Andrew Halligan

How did you get into racing?

There was a time when I couldn't tell the front of a horse from the back, and some people still say that's the case today. But the first time I really got into racing was the day after my 21st birthday, when me and a few of my friends, who were still worst for wear from the night before, decided to take a trip out to Tramore Racecourse and it was right there and then when I caught the horse racing bug.

What achievement are you proudest of in your career so far?

It's hard to narrow down just one thing because everything that I have learned and worked towards in my career to get to where I am today working for IRIS has been a long and challenging road to say the least. From learning everything about SEO, the gambling industry, building websites, and everything in-between in my early days at Thimba Media, to building the The Finishing Line Podcast to what it is today, to working in horse racing media/TV, I'm proud of the journey. I'm even more proud that I never gave up on the ambition to work in horse racing, even when it seemed like it was never going to happen.

What's your first racing memory?

My first memory is probably like a lot of people who got into horse racing. Sundays out in my Grandparents house, heading down to the local bookmakers to put on bets with my Grandad.

Who is your favourite horse of all time?

That's like asking who your favourite child is. It can't be narrowed down to one. The first horse that I latched onto when getting into horse racing was Denman. But over recent years, Honeysuckle and Galopin Des Champs are ones that brought me a lot of joy following them from day one.

What's your favourite race on the calendar?

The go to answer is the Supreme Novices Hurdle. It's the race that kicks off the Cheltenham Festival, and the one that we have been building up towards for months. But away from the Cheltenham Festival, the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival is always one hell of a race.

What do you think is the most underrated race meeting or festival?

I experienced the Listowel Harvest Festival for the first time this year, and for the four days that I was working there, the track was jam-packed with punters who created an atmosphere that would rival any festival.

When studying the form of a race, what do you pay most attention to?

Track form is always key. It's called horses for courses for a reason. But overall, I look at what trainer is in form, previous runs, ground conditions, and overall progression from run to run.

What's your most painful punting story?

Minella Indo getting chinned by Champ in the RSA Chase... The less said about that, the better.

Which figure in racing, past or present, would you love to meet?

I've met quite a few high-profile people in racing thanks to my years working in racing. But I'd love to sit down with Willie Mullins one-on-one and just chat racing and pick his brains on how he views racing.

If you could make one change to the Cheltenham Festival, what would it be?

Just one? The main one would be take it back to three days, and get rid of the likes of the Boodles, Mares Chase, Ryanair Chase, National Hunt Chase, and a few of the handicaps. I'd reinstall the Grade 1 2m4f Novices' Chase to give connections the option in their novice season to see whether their horse is going to be a Champion Chaser or a Gold Cup horse for the following season.